To ask why people like Dubai so much?

[moreyoudoknow]

I know loads of people who now say it's their favourite holiday destination?

What's so lovely about it? Looks too hot to me? Can go above 45 weather wise!

I like the Canary Islands because the sun burns down but it has a cool breeze... a hidden gem if you hate sweltering heat

From pictures, it looks like a city like London that just has pools?

I think perhaps we forget how different it is when we have lived abroad for years. This morning I went nuts because yet again all 3 cars were on empty and I was in a hurry. Nobody ever thinks to fill up even though it costs a few pence a liter and yoindont even have to get out of the car or switch off the engine. It occurred to me that when we lived in the UK filling up the car was a financial decision rather than a hassle. Same as drawing money put of a cashpoint or buying someone a present. I have totally forgotten day to day how different life is after all these years. No wonder there is so much misunderstanding, mistrust and xenophobia on both sides of this thread. The world's are utterly incomparable.

I'd worry about my own safety

this is a misguided fear. I feel a lot safer walking through Dubai at night than I do in the UK……. A LOT.

Safety? Sorry I can go to a GP, police or emergency medical and be seen within a few minutes.

To be fair when I lived in Qatar I could see my doctors very easily. My son was poorly one evening and I was really worried as he was hot and talking gibberish, I took him to the local doctors (about 9pm at night) and he was seen within 5 minutes. It really was excellent service.

And yet if you were raped and reported it, you could very well be imprisoned...

And yet if you were raped and reported
it, you could very well be imprisoned...

unlikely, those laws that previously lead to these incidents don’t exist now.

I would be more concerned in the UK. What would I do? Pop into a police station? Yeah right, loads of them..OK so I could call 999..bit would probably get a bollocking because its not an emergency. Call 101, speak to a moron with an algorithm, brilliant. Get as far as CPS. Probably thrown out, get to acual.court and be treated like a dirty whore by the defence. Keep it love x

I would never report it in a Muslim country. It really isn't worth the hassle. The law wouldn't be on the woman's side and the risk to myself would be too great.

Yes, that’s partly because at 10pm at night there are small children at play parks with the nannies, people out grocery shopping and people heading to the gym.
The days are reconfigured because it’s so hot during the day. So nightlife doesn’t look the same as it does here.
As a woman I would be happy to to walk on my own to the shops late at night in Dubai, it’s not something that I have ever done and will ever do in the UK. I frequently saw women out for a jog, collecting shopping, returning from work on their own very late at night. It’s normal there. That’s why it feels safe. I’m not sure if it actually is but it’s such an eye opener to see women own their own space late at night, not having having to look over their shoulder.

It's true actually, women really do own spaces. Sometimes I find that irritating, like in waiting rooms although they don't really do that in Qatar anymore but actually, there are so many safe spaces. And in general, women I think are safer because normal decent humans are happy to behave in a way that doesn't threaten women and step in if someone else does.

Dubai is not vulgar. The aesthetics and mighty of its architecture is probably second to none in the world. I have not seen any 'tackiness' in local behaviour either, quite the opposite.

As to their ideology and way of living, some posters need to accept that other nations are entitled to think and conduct themselves differently. Not every aspect in the West is so wonderful and positive at the moment - especially with the degradation of values that has happened in the last 8 years or so within some pockets of society which is rapidly taking over. No matter how much 'boicotting' and campaigning is done, some cultures will continue to follow a different path (one that works for them).

You should be in charge of the world. What a succinct, balanced view which many of us have badly tried to express. I hope some of these closed minds will read your post.🫖🍰

@Runciblefork you talk about nations, not individuals. Therefore ignoring democracy and what happens to some citizens who fight against the system set in place.

freedomhouse.org/country/united-arab-emirates/freedom-world/2022

Yes, the architecture is pretty good but give me the history of Byblos, Balbeck and Tyre along with Petea, Herash. The Middle is so fascinating Dubai not so much.

Apologies my comment was for @apintortwo

I personally think that the Anglican Church, Museum of Islamic Art and Qatar National Museum in Doha are among the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. The Islamic Art building especially is incredibly affecting and is completely different depending on the time of day. My office is in a brand new building that has so many environmental technologies I sometimes don't bother putting the lights on it's so complicated.
We shouldn't write off nations through ignorance.

I saw the Terracotta Army there. It was breathtaking, so beautifully curated

We shouldn't write off nations through ignorance.

And your thoughts on the lack of human rights and the article I linked to?

There are beautiful buildings in most countries.

Sweden scores 100, UAE 17 it has a lot of catching up to do but at least the buildings look pretty.

I have lived here for many, many years. I know and am comfortable with it. As people have reviously said, homelessness, drugs, gangs, the NHS to name a few reasons why I feel that the UK has no standing when it comes to preaching morality on how to look after people. It's easy to get a link off the Internet. But you have no idea what the real world is like from your laptop. Nowhere is perfect. For example I have to go to Sweden quite a lot for work JV stuff. I hate it. It's boring, stinks and everywhere including so called decent hotels feel like sleeping in IKEA. But you, as a Liberal would probably love it and hate Qatar. I hate Sweden and love Qatar. But at least I have ACTUALLY BEEN and lived in both the places you mention. That means more than a link off the Internet or, even funnier, guardian article. I had breakfast in the hotel with a guardian journo after the Liverpool game and he told me that they ate not allowed to say anything nice because their readers love feeling they have the moral high ground which is the only reason they target it.

Yes you're right, I'd rather go somewhere we're the hotels remind me of IKEA (all of them?) than where homosexuality is illegal. Silly lefty liberal me.

Yep. You said it.

Oh honey I was joking. You actually think I'm silly for wanting to go somewhere with hotels you think are crap Iver somewhere I won't have equal rights. Bless.

You are sounding a little bit unhinged. Do you really care that much about what I think? Your opinion wouldn't do anything else other than give me a giggle trying to picture what you are like. See you later. Sweetie honey darling.

This is a discussion forum I am perfectly entitled to tell you what I think thanks.

What makes you think I have no connection with the Middle East? I lived in Lebanon for 5 years, Bahrain for 2 and have visited Dubai many times. I know what life is like in this part of the world. I do care about democracy, you don't but enjoy your expat salary.